On March 2, 2009, the National Union of Veterans of the Independence War (UNVRI) and the St. George Veterans Union (UVSGB) organize commemorating actions for the heroes who died for the independence and territorial integrity of Moldova. “The action will start at 8.30 with the participation of the war veterans in divine services that will take place in all churches in the country,” president of UNVRI Eduard Maican said at a news conference at Info-Prim Neo news agency. After laying flowers at the monument to Stefan the Great, the veterans will organize the traditional commemoration march from the Great National Assembly Square –Stefan cel Mare boulevard, Ismail street – the Eternitate Complex. After a commemoration meeting at the Memorial, the veterans will go to the graves of their companion-in-arms in Chisinau graveyards, then they will participate in commemoration feasts. “The National Union of War Veterans and the St. George Veterans Union express their hope that these commemoration actions will meet the veterans’ expectations and the civil society in strengthening the Moldovan Society,” Eduard Maican said. President of the St. George Veterans Union, Victor Alergus said that they got the acceptance of the Ministry of Education that next Monday classes in school will begin with a patriotic lesson, and pupils will keep a minute of silence. “We highly appreciate the deeds of heroes who died for the country and people. They are ours, they represent the spiritual treasure of Moldova and they cannot be divided among organizations,” reads a release of theirs distributed at the news conference. The armed conflict on the Nistru started on March 2, 1992. The cease-fire agreement was signed on July 21, 1992 by Moldova and Russia. According to the Chisinau authorities, 287 persons lost their lives in the armed conflict and about 40 are missing, as other 3,500 were mutilated.